Cali Bandsters Unite!!

[cutie07 0]

pre op @ kaiser fremont live in sacramneto california. Ive done orientation only. consult should be in 7 weeks. 250lbs. 36 yrs old . bad knee, bad back. can lose it by myself

Edited March 21, 2008 by cutie07

[Vicki J 0]

Connie -

The feeling that your are describing sound like you're eating too much, IMHO. Try planning a good meal (protein/veggies) and only putting the amount bandsters should eat on your plate (2-3 oz protein/.5C veggies - eat your Protein first). Then cut everything into pencil eraser size. Chew the heck out of it. I mean mush and then some. Once you finish your serving put your plate away and leave the table. Get busy doing something else.

Now if you are still hungry after say 1/2 an hour, get yourself a snack. Limit it to 100 cal. or less. I have found that if I use a good source of protein (i.e. meat - something dense) that I don't get hungry as fast either.

Make sure you DON'T even sip liquids during the meal or for at least 1/2 hour after you eat. Also, make sure that your calories aren't used for liquid calories. These do not stay with you. Eat no more than 3x a day with MAYBE 2 planned Snacks. Keep your calorie intake NO MORE than 1200 calories and ABC (all bites count) in the calorie intake.

Should you still be hungry with the above mentioned method in less than 3 hours...you probably need a fill. If you continue the way you are going, (getting where you feel like you are choking) you will stretch either your pouch or your esophagus. This will cause major problems.

Feeling full to a bandster does not feel like it does pre-banding as IndioGirl55 stated. Sometimes it's an art to figure out. It may be a sigh or a burp/hiccup. If you get to any discomfort (pain, choking feeling, etc.) you have gone too far. Now my "soft stop" is when I realize I'm thinking "should I stop?". That usually comes just before the feeling of food being left in my throat.

I hope this helps. If you have anyother questions, please feel free to PM me.

Vicki

[REEIZBOOJE 0]

Hello Cali....I'm back, I haven't been back on here in about a year. My weight lost has been slow, and I was kind of sad. this place sure has changed a lot. It looks great!

[sarahsmommy 0]

I was banded by Dr. Kuri in March and live in Escondido. Anyone around my area?

[Vikki 2]

I am in Huntington Beach so not super close to Escondido but we do have a support group and meet up every couple of mths if your interested. We also go down to get our fills in Mexico as a group. I go to Dr. Ramos Kelly in TJ. Hope your doing well and heeling well. It is a life changing experience and a long journey but if you have any questions you can send me an email at vikki4mymail@yahoo.com

[valleylady 0]

Hi all

I was so happy to read all of your amazing posts and I am considering getting the surgery. Your stories are inspiring and scary at the same time!

I just wanted to know, does anyone have a good Los Angeles area recommendation for surgeon? I need to start looking somewhere....

Haven't looked into insurance paying for this yet so I am open to everyones suggestions!

I want to know the good the bad and the WORST!!!

Thank you!

[IndioGirl55 32]

Hi all

I was so happy to read all of your amazing posts and I am considering getting the surgery. Your stories are inspiring and scary at the same time!

I just wanted to know, does anyone have a good Los Angeles area recommendation for surgeon? I need to start looking somewhere....

Haven't looked into insurance paying for this yet so I am open to everyones suggestions!

I want to know the good the bad and the WORST!!!

Thank you!

Hi Valleylady - This thread really doesn't get alot of action. Can't help with the surgeon cuz I am in the palm springs area... but suggestion ck your insurance first - if they do cover it you may have to go to their docs

I had blue cross CA and i was required to go to a center of excellence for my surgery to be covered... Insurance is the 1st place to start - unless you are going to be self pay..

Good luck on your journey - I love my band - yesterday was my 1 yr anniversary 102 lbs lighter :wub:

Know it's only a tool - they band your tummy not your brain - you will have to change your eating - this is true a lifetime lifestyle change in your eating - and adding physical activity too to your daily life.

If you do your part the band will do it's...

Again good luck - and LBT is a great site for info and support..

[Phatcurves 3]

Anyone in fresno who would like a work out partner. I am so stagnant with my weightloss i really need to do something.

I have about 85-95 more pounds to lose. I have a mini gym at my apt. Two pools and A membershipt to gb3...Does anyone out there have a membership to the same and some motivation?:thumbup:

[Barbaspen 0]

Hi Valleylady - This thread really doesn't get alot of action. Can't help with the surgeon cuz I am in the palm springs area... but suggestion ck your insurance first - if they do cover it you may have to go to their docs

I had blue cross CA and i was required to go to a center of excellence for my surgery to be covered... Insurance is the 1st place to start - unless you are going to be self pay..

Good luck on your journey - I love my band - yesterday was my 1 yr anniversary 102 lbs lighter :thumbup:

Know it's only a tool - they band your tummy not your brain - you will have to change your eating - this is true a lifetime lifestyle change in your eating - and adding physical activity too to your daily life.

If you do your part the band will do it's...

Again good luck - and LBT is a great site for info and support..

hey, try Dr Douglas Krahn - Wester Bariatrics. He has offices in san berdoo, rancho Cucumonga, and Riverside. I was his second bandster!

[LJB 0]

I'm in Oakland - just doing my 6 month dietitian meetings now. my Surgery will be around Jan/Feb09 I think. I'm really learning a lot during this time however I hope it goes by fast.:biggrin:

Jean

[kat72 0]

Don't worry, LJB! The time flies by, and Jan. will be here before you know it! =)

[TQUAD64 9]

I live in San Joaquin County region, but will have my surgery in Oakland at Alta Bates Hospital. My surgery will be some time this year in 2008.

[IndioGirl55 32]

Welcome - This thread isn't very active

You should be getting your date soon - Good Luck - Prayers for a safe surgery and speedy recovery.

It's the best thing I ever did for me...

Only words of advice - remember your band is only a tool - the majority of the work is going to be up to you to make a lifetime lifestyle change in your eating (Healthy) and exercise.

The combination of those 3 things will bring success !!!

[gottaloseit 0]

I live in San Joaquin County region, but will have my surgery in Oakland at Alta Bates Hospital. My surgery will be some time this year in 2008.

I live in San Joaquin county also and am going to have my surgery at Alta Bates in Oakland also. I have Health Net with Hills Physicians Med Group. I've jumped through all of the hoops so far, you know, 6 mo. nutritionist, psych evaluation, etc. I just attended the first seminar and turned in my paper work last night. My med group already turned in their paper work. So how much longer do you think I have before the actual surgery? I know that you're still awaiting your surgery date but I was just curious to know if you had any information for me to rest my mind about what to expect next. I know they told me last night that it would be a couple of weeks before they contacted me to schedule an appointment to see the surgery. Are they usually pretty fast with all of this red tape or what. Any info is very much appreciated. Thank You.

[TQUAD64 9]

Hello gottaloseit:

Well in my situation, BC/BS "NetValue, Hills Physician approved me on August 12 to meet with the surgeon. However, when I called to register for the first available required orientation class I was give the date of Sept 8 and I went. The paper work I completed for the orientation was mailed out the next day and I recieved a phone call the following week for my Nutrition Class appointment and the surgeon. Plus I attended the required pre op support class on Sept 23.

The required nutrition class was on Sept 26 and the date with the surgeon is October 8, which is almost two months after the insurance company approved me to meet with the insurance company. Myra and Helen stated they now have three surgeons and that they can take more patients on. Right now there is about 300 patients in various stages of the process for their clinic.

I was told I might, and just might have a surgery date in December, but I was also told not to count on it. After I see the doctor on October 8, she "Dr. Kim" will order the upper GI, blood work, and any other lab work I need to complete. It is a very long process, but I think you are very close to completing the process.

Keep in touch!!!